BILL NUMBER: SCR 78	CHAPTERED  05/26/00

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER   68
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   MAY 26, 2000
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY   MAY 22, 2000
	ADOPTED IN SENATE   MAY 8, 2000

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Escutia

                        APRIL 24, 2000

   Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 78--Relative to California
Physical Education Week.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 78, Escutia.  Physical Education Week.
   This measure would recognize the importance and value of a sound
standards-driven physical education experience for all California
pupils and proclaim the week of May 1 through May 7, 2000, as
"California Physical Education Week."




   WHEREAS, Californians realize that our youth represent the future
of our state and nation; and
   WHEREAS, The results of the physical fitness test scores for all
California public school pupils in grades 5, 7, and 9 for 1999 show
that 80 percent of those tested failed to pass the minimum standards
to be considered physically fit; and
   WHEREAS, The percentage of overweight children and youth in the
United States has doubled in the last 30 years with approximately 13
percent of young people seriously overweight; and
   WHEREAS, The most effective way to combat obesity is by exercise,
physical activity, and proper nutrition; and
   WHEREAS, Physically inactive people are almost twice as likely to
develop coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death
and disability in the United States, as persons who engage in regular
physical activity; and
   WHEREAS, Poor diet and inadequate exercise are leading to
increasing rates of type II diabetes in children; and
   WHEREAS, Nearly every major cause of morbidity and mortality in
the United States is linked to a sedentary lifestyle; and
   WHEREAS, Children who are healthy and physically fit, have lower
rates of school absenteeism; and
   WHEREAS, Physical activity is essential in the moderation of
stress, depression, and other mood disorders; and
   WHEREAS, Some of the latest brain research points to a direct
relationship between exercise and learning; and
   WHEREAS, A child who is well educated in physical fitness and
health is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and
successful; and
   WHEREAS, Pupils can sense the importance of a program by the
emphasis placed upon it by the Legislature, the State Board of
Education, the local board of education, the school district
administration, the schoolsite administration, and the faculty and
staff at schoolsites; and
   WHEREAS, Quality physical education programs can facilitate a
pupil's adoption of attitudes, skills, and behaviors that can lead to
active healthy lifestyles throughout adulthood; and
   WHEREAS, The business community understands and appreciates the
importance of an active, healthy, educated, and motivated workforce;
now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the importance
and value of a sound standards-driven physical education experience
for all of California's pupils; and be it further
   Resolved, That because pupils who are physically healthy are more
likely to achieve a higher degree of academic success and to turn
into healthier, longer living, and more productive citizens of our
state and nation, the California Legislature hereby proclaims the
week of May 1 through May 7, 2000, to be "California Physical
Education Week"; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
